Round-the-Clock Purple and Gold

Andrew Bynum shows off post work against the Clippers

Each time Andrew Bynum caught an entry pass in the lane, the same outcome happened.

He posted up against Clippers center DeAndre Jordan, threw him off balance through footwork and his physical 7-foot frame and then drove past him for an easy bucket.

The Lakers' 108-103 preseason loss Wednesday to the Clippers brings more concern on the severity of Kobe Bryant's torn ligament in his right wrist, the team's inconsistent defense and whether its roster can find some continuity.

But for Bynum, it showed how much he's grown as a post player, as he racked up 26 points on 11 of 25 shooting and 11 rebounds. He might as well enjoy it now, because on Sunday, Christmas Day, Bynum will begin serving a five-game suspension for last season's forearm shove of Dallas guard J.J. Barea.

"It's going to be hard to have five games off," Bynum said.

But after he spends those days keeping himself occupied with off-court workouts, it's safe to presume he'll carry the same efficiency in the post. Bynum's conditioning may still need work. He admitted as much when he said, "I'm still pretty tired."

As far as his post moves, however, he's got it nailed down pretty well.

"Combine all those things and you have a guy who can go get it," said Lakers Coach Mike Brown. "Opposing centers are going to have to play."